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Welcome to your March issue...

Mother’s Day on March 15th and the start of British Summer Time a fortnight later on March 29th. That word “summer” sounds so beautiful to my ears right now, especially having suffered at the hands of the “rain gods” lately. When did we ever see so much rain? I know there’s the old term “February fill dyke” but really…!

Mother’s Day, of course, is when we mothers are allotted by our partners and families a full day of doing nothing, a whole day in which we are spoilt rotten. Seriously, we do not expect the earth on Mother’s Day. It’s just lovely to get some recognition, whatever form that may take, for all our multi-tasking abilities and for our level-headedness and calm when the waters of the family home may sometimes get a little choppy! Three years on from Paula and I losing our own mother, we can join many others and think fondly of mums no longer with us – those wonderful memories continue to make us so grateful for their love and dedication. Finally, from all of us mums, thanks in advance for all the flowers, chocolates, perfume and big hugs! Claire x

Sometimes I count myself fortunate that I work primarily from home.

After years commuting for an hour to an office and then having to drive the length and breadth of the UK to interview people, I can now roll out of bed and stroll into my office in seconds rather than having to tackle the increasingly busy Fenland roads.

Travelling is a bit of a nightmare nowadays. Just in the past month, I’ve suffered a four-hour delay at an airport, an enforced midjourney train swap after it was suddenly announced that the one I was on was not now going to stop at the station my car was parked at, and almost losing a wheel on my car after hitting a water filled pothole the depth of a mine shaft.

The closest thing to travel chaos I now have to endure is when my dog and I both arrive at the same part of the stairs at the same time and one of us is forced to give way…

Discovering Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET

Publisher and Sales Claire Saberton: 01778 421427 | 07837 499061 | sales@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Sales Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 | marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com

Sales Sallyanne Davis: 07737 026594 | sal@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Editor Andy Hurst: editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Ops Director Andy Armstrong: 07780 922214

Accounts Sarah Brooks: 07564 966452 | accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Design Sarah Gumbley | Andy Beavis | Graham Copestake | Graham Booth

4 Mother’s Day Traditions

5 Enhance Aesthetics Competition

6-7 Fontanella’s 15th Birthday

8-9 .......... Community Matters

20 Cannon & Co

22 Safe Local Trades

26 ........... Reignite Careers

Introducing: Watts Her Name

34 Gardening Tips For March

36-37 Community Matters

44 Professor Pompoose

46 Whittlesey Food Aid Appeal

54-55 Game & Country Fair: Win Tickets

56-57 .....Straw Bear Festival Highlights

59-62 Business Directory

Sales: Sallyanne Davis 07737 026594

sal@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

With thanks to

(Professor Pompoose) and Natalie Brannigan.

Deadline details

Copy deadline for the April issue is Thursday 12th March 2026.

Discovering Whittlesea is published by a local team and is not associated with any other business. Care is taken to ensure that the content and information is correct at the time of going to press; however, we cannot take any responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by any errors. Permission must be granted to reproduce, copy or scan anything from this publication. For a copy of our contributors’ guidelines please email info@discoveringmagazines.co.uk.

Alex Miscandlon, Robert Windle, Tania Cannon, Eileen Le Voi, Kat Fiedorczyk, The Shed Shop, Kellyvision, Marija Lysak

Mother ’ s Day Traditions Around the World

In this countr y, we are not alone in honouring and thanking our mums on “Mother’s Day”, falling as it does ever y year on the four th Sunday of Lent, or three weeks before Easter Sunday, this year Sunday March 15th.

The customs and traditions focusing on Mother’s Day around the world just confirm that, whilst our societies may be different in so many ways, there remains the central theme, that of taking time out to show our love and affection for this one person who has been there, literally from “Day One”, to care for and nurture us as we grow.

In the UK, Mothering Sunday began as a way for Christians to honour the Virgin Mary but has evolved to include all mothers. Traditionally, children especially are encouraged to shower mum with flowers and chocolates and even help out in the kitchen!

In Italy, mothers are relieved of household chores, the idea being to enable relaxation to kick in. Spouses and children take on the tasks, while mum lies back and enjoys being pampered with love and affection.

Mother’s Day in Japan sees children present their mums with bouquets or single stems of red carnations. These represent a mother’s selfless love and sacrifices made for her children.

The French call it “Fete des Meres” and a popular tradition is that a cake is baked and decorated to represent a floral bouquet and lovingly presented to “Maman”.

In Peru, it is common for families to visit cemeteries on Mother’s Day to remember and honour deceased mothers. Many graves become

festooned with gifts, candles and other offerings to keep her memory alive.

Mother’s Day in Mexico often begins with a serenade called “Las Mananitas”. Family members and sometimes mariachi bands will gather outside mum’s window to express love and appreciation.

In Australia, the tradition of giving chrysanthemums is a popular and enduring practice. How appropriate to give ‘mums to mums?

In Thailand, Mother’s Day has been celebrated on August 12th to mark the birthday of their beloved Queen Sirikit (who sadly passed away last October).

Ceremonies and celebrations honour both mothers and their queen. Jasmine is traditionally gifted as a symbol of purity and love.

with a little luxury at

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation for the incredible women in our lives – whether that’s your mum, nan, partner, friend... or even yourself.

At Enhance Aesthetics, we believe every woman deserves time to relax, feel pampered, and leave feeling confident and radiant. That’s why this Mother’s Day we’re giving one lucky person the chance to win one of our most loved treatments…

A ‘MILLION DOLLAR’ FACIAL WORTH £95

This luxury facial is designed to deeply rejuvenate the skin, improve tone and texture, and leave you glowing. It’s a results-driven treatment with a relaxing touch — the ultimate self-care experience.

HOW TO ENTER

Simply fill in your details below and pop them in the entry box at the salon at 5 Angel House, Eastgate Mews, Whittlesey OR Like and follow our Facebook page and send us a message with ‘Mother’s Day’. It’s our way of saying thank you to all the wonderful women who give so much, every single day.

ENHANCE AESTHETICS

because confidence is the best gift of all

NAME

ADDRESS

PHONE

We find ourselves reflecting with immense gratitude and joy: Fontanella’s turned 15 years old on February 17th.

What began in 2011 as a small dream – bringing the heartfelt recipes and traditions of our southern Italian village to a little spot in Whittlesey – has blossomed into so much more, thanks to you, our valued customers. We started humbly: a cozy daytime bistro and deli counter serving fresh paninis, authentic pizzas, pasta, cakes, and the best Italian coffee around. Over the years, your loyalty and kind words encouraged us to grow. We listened, we evolved, and we never lost sight of what matters

Fontanella's 15th birthday! celebrate

most – genuine flavours, family warmth, and that unmistakable taste of home. Today, we’re proud to offer so much more:

• Our exclusive evening dining experiences, which have become a massive highlight for so many of you – intimate, seasonal menus filled with passion and tradition.

• Our luxury gift hampers, carefully curated with the finest Italian ingredients, now shipping nationwide so friends and family across the country can share a slice of our authentic cuisine.

• Our event catering services, from big buffets to small sharers to help our customers celebrate the special moments that

matter. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of so many birthdays, baby showers, weddings and anniversaries.

• And, of course, the heart of it all: our daytime deli and bistro, still welcoming you for breakfasts, lunches, and those little moments of Italian joy. None of this would have been possible without your continued support, your smiles, your recommendations, and your belief in us. You’ve been part of our family from day one, and we feel truly blessed to have shared so many meals, celebrations, and special occasions together. Over the years our family has grown and new staff have joined

the team, we are very grateful to them and for all their hard work.

To mark this milestone, we’re planning some exciting surprises in the coming weeks – watch this space for exclusive offers, special evening events, and perhaps a little something extra in our hampers!

From the bottom of our hearts: Grazie mille for 15 incredible years. Here’s to more chapters of good food, great company, and la dolce vita.

MATTERS COMMUNITY

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

In case people had not noticed, we are three months into 2026 already and we in Whittlesey have already had some fantastic events with a lot more to come.

I was made aware that Robert Windle had produced a great aidememoire of events in Whittlesey, so if you want to catch up on future events speak to him and he will enlighten you how to view this amazing digital book. Thank you Rob for showing me how to do it.

I had the pleasure of meeting the new owner of the Milky Bar in Eastgate and from first impressions the standard of good service with a very big smile is being upheld by Hannah. Welcome to a new business owner and all the best for the future… great milk shakes!

Invitations are going out for my Mayor's Charity Ball at the Manor Leisure Centre and my Civic Service at St Mary’s Church. I hope to see you there. I am personally looking forward to all the events being planned for Whittlesey and the villages in the coming months. I hope the weather is good and all the events go off without a hitch. I will try to attend as many as possible and see as many of the folk of Whittlesey and the villages as I can. Regards, Alex Miscandlon

TOP TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT

The Whittlesey Primary Schools Table Tennis competition took place at the Indoor Bowls Complex on Station Road, with support from the Whittlesey Table Tennis Club and sponsorship by Radio Fenland/Whittlesey Sports Association. Year 4 Shield winner Matthew, AJS, who defeated Theo from New Road 21-8 in the final; Year 4 Plate winner Annabelle, AJS, runner-up Gabriella, New Road; Year 5 winner Josh from New Road beat Henry, AJS, 21-19, in the final; Year 5 Plate final was won by Elliot who beat Harry; Year 6 final saw Finn from New Road beat Charlie of Park Lane 21-5; and the Year 6 Plate final saw Jace from New Road beat Riley from AJS.

We bring you items of interest for your home and community. If there is something you’d like us to cover or you have something to say please get in touch at: Discovering Whittlesea, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET Email: editor.whittlesea@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

LEARNING ABOUT ALDERMAN JACOBS

It was a good morning at Whittlesey’s Alderman Jacobs School as Radio Fenland was invited into the school to interview pupils who had completed a Mayor of Whittlesey Challenge which was to find out more about the man who the school is named after. Alderman Jacobs recognised the need for a new school but sadly passed away before it opened. The interview was a live outside broadcast as part of the breakfast show.

Photo: RWT Photography/Radio Fenland

WALLY RECEIVES THE FREEDOM OF WHITTLESEY

A big moment in Whittlesey as Wally Newman was given his Freedom of the Town certificate at Peel House.

A packed council chamber of friends and family witnessed Mayor of Whittlesey Cllr Alex Miscandlon present the award. This is only the second such award with Kay Mayor (pictured) being the first in November 2024.

Photo: RWT Photography/Radio Fenland

Alex Miscandlon

SHARING A VISION

A meeting of a Vision Programme Community Wealth Building Taskforce has been held. The aim of the meetings is to bring local people and organisations together to explore how it may be possible to reshape economic systems so that earnings, resources, and decision-making power remain within the community. This session was to look at assets in the community from community groups to buildings.

Photo: RWT Photography/Radio Fenland

RESIDENTS AIR POLLUTION CONCERNS

Representatives from Cambridgeshire County Council, Fenland District Council and the Environment Agency visited Whittlesey’s Manor Centre to answer questions from local people concerned about odour, dust and noise pollution at Saxon Pit and Kings Dyke and give greater understanding to what is happening. For more details visit the Cambridgeshire County council website to share any concerns.

Photo: RWT Photography/Radio Fenland

U3A MEETS UP AT FALCON

Robert Boddington was guest speaker at the recent Whittlesey U3A Friendship Group at the Falcon Hotel, Whittlesey. Robert’s talk was about the Mud Walls of Whittlesey & Eastrea.

Photo: RWT Photography/Radio Fenland

SHOW RETURNS FOR FENLAND LEGO LOVERS

LEGO fans across Fenland are in for a treat as the second Wisbech Brick Show returns on Saturday, March 7th at the Queen Mary Centre.

Visitors will be able to explore amazing LEGO creations built by some of the most talented and imaginative builders in the country. From intricate models to large-scale displays, the event will showcase the creativity and engineering skill behind the UK’s thriving LEGO community.

Families can also enjoy a range of interactive zones, including: building zones for children and adults; colouring area; and a fun ‘find the missing word’ challenge hidden throughout the displays.

A variety of LEGO traders will also be in attendance, offering everything from brand new sets to rare and retired items. Visitors will have the chance to hunt for elusive minifigures or even build their own custom character on the day.

Organiser Adam Fairbrother said: "It’s fantastic to see so many children and adults coming together to celebrate creativity, imagination, and a shared love of LEGO. This year’s show is bigger than ever, and we’re proud to bring an event to Wisbech that inspires young builders and supports our local community.”

Treat your mum this

Mother’s Day

While flowers and chocolates are lovely gifts to give your mum, have you considered something extra special?

Give your mum the gift of good feet!

Our experienced team can help to make her feet feel wonderful. We can help with feet that she cannot reach anymore, thickened nails, troublesome corns and calluses, plus a wide range of foot and joint pains.

With a treatment from us, your mum gets to enjoy some quality ‘me time’ and you get to help to keep her on her feet and more healthy.

With comfortable feet, your mum can enjoy life more and it is one less thing for her to worry about. We can provide gift vouchers for special occasions and help you to give a very special gift this Mother’s Day.

Call us for more details: 01354 651200

March Podiatry Practice Ltd

47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ www.marchpodiatry.co.uk Follow us on Facebook

OPENING HOURS

Mon 9am-7pm • Tues 9am-5pm • Weds 9am-7pm Thurs 9am-5pm • Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-1pm

New Takeaway thinks inside The Box!

MONDAYS

Zoe Bedford, 44, has recently realised her dream of opening up a takeaway sandwich shop. After much preparation and hard work, The Lunch Box, in Plough Road, was finally born just before Christmas, and it's been on a roll ever since!

5.30pm at The Eastrea Centre, 2 Roman Gardens, Eastrea PE7 2DF

March Podiatry Practice Ltd

Contact Corrina on 07761 822301

High Street, March PE15 9JJ

Tel

www.marchpodiatry.co.uk

Working alongside her mother-in-law, Josie, who has always been in the food industry, they have both loved the first few busy weeks in their new venture and enjoy chatting with the customers and getting to know them.

TUESDAYS

9.30am, 11am, 6pm, and 7.30pm at the Methodist/UR Church Hall, Queens Street, Whittlesey PE7 1AY

‘The people of Whittlesey have been so friendly and welcoming,’ Zoe said, ‘even bringing in gifts just before Christmas, even though we had only just opened!’

The Lunch Box has a delicious and extensive, handmade and locally-sourced menu selection on offer, including sausage rolls, baguettes, bacon baps, jacket potatoes, salads, cakes, plus carefully selected and freshly roasted coffee to complete your warm welcome.

Contact Maria on 07801 974440

Opening at 7am for the early-risers, so close to the town centre, and with plenty of parking available, this a convenient location for all. Plans for the future include expanding into providing delivery.

‘We look forward to seeing all returning and new customers for lunch very soon.’ smiles Zoe, as she prepares a hot and tasty-looking cheese and bacon turnover for another happy customer! And, that’s a wrap!

and keep

Buffets for any occasion: meetings, parties etc. Contact The Lunch Box for a quote.

‘I’m sure I had a pension with…’

Let’s be honest, we don’t often pay attention to our pensions during our working life, everything else is a priority. But before you know it, all of a sudden, you’re turning 50 and have no idea what you have in place for your (what now feels like looming) retirement.

With most of our clients coming to us at this stage of their life, you’re in good company!

How we can help:

We write out to all your providers for you so you don’t have to – obtaining the details of your pensions and putting the information into a clear and easy to understand summary.

Communication is key:

Providers can take a few weeks to come back with information, so we keep youupdated and informed every week so you know where you are in the process.

Transparent fees:

We’ll always be upfront and honest about the cost of our services. Our pension finding fee is fixed at £195.

By the end of the process you’ll know what you have, where it is and what it is worth, putting you back at the helm of your financial planning. What’s more, if you want to know where it all fits in with your overall plan, we can upgrade you to our full cashflow service.

Book a free consultation online at www.nenefinancial.co.uk or call our friendly team in confidence on (01354) 278088.

Why spring is still the smartest time to sell your home...

Spring has long been recognised as the busiest and most successful season in the property market and the latest data shows that this year is no exception.

If you’re thinking about selling, February and March consistently stand out as the strongest months to list your home.

According to analysis from Rightmove and Dataloft by PriceHubble, nearly seven in ten homes (66.3 percent) listed during February and March go on to successfully complete.

That’s a significant uplift compared to the average success rate of 55.5% across 2025, highlighting just how important timing can be when bringing a property to market.

Speed is another key advantage. February is one of the fastest months to secure a buyer, matching January with an average of 51 days to find a purchaser.

March and April follow closely behind at around 52 days, reinforcing why early spring creates real momentum for sellers.

So, what’s driving this seasonal surge? Buyer motivation plays a big role. After the quieter winter months, many buyers begin the year with clear plans and renewed confidence.

Easing mortgage rates are also helping affordability, while a wider choice of properties gives buyers the reassurance they need to move forward decisively.

For sellers, this combination creates the ideal conditions: motivated buyers, faster decision-making and a higher likelihood of seeing a sale through to completion.

Homes that launch early in the spring market also benefit from strong exposure before competition increases later in the season.

At Cannon & Co Sales & Lettings, we’re already seeing positive signs locally as the spring market gets underway.

With the right pricing strategy, presentation and marketing, listing now could put you in the best possible position for a successful move in 2026.

* Source: Rightmove, Dataloft by PriceHubble

THE ODD JOB MAN

Do you need a wall painting? A tap xing or replacing? A fence painted? Flat packs assembled? A light switch or sockets repaired/replaced? Path/patio cleaned?

A picture or shelf hanging? A hole dug? Small tip run? A skip lled? Or any other odd job? If so, you need The Odd Job Man

Consumer Advice

New Platform for reporting fraud gives support for victims

By Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades

No job too silly or small T: 07442 915628 E: bondhigh@icloud.com

Did you know that half of UK crime is cybercrime and fraud? However, a new platform for reporting these crimes, ‘Report Fraud’, was launched recently, replacing ‘Action Fraud’. It is a free, easy-to-use service where users can not only report a suspicious phone call, text message, social media or website, but offers a way to report suspected fraud.

Reporting online is quick and easy and Report Fraud advisors are available 24/7 to offer help and advice. Reporting cybercrime and fraud to Report Fraud ensures that the correct procedures are followed and it means that you will receive a ‘Crime Reference Number’.

Remember that fraud is a serious crime. Fraudsters are often part of serious organised criminal gangs, who use the money to fund other crimes such as human trafficking, illegal firearms trade and terrorism.

Key strategies to protect yourself against fraud:

• Stop, think, protect: Take a moment to pause before acting on requests for money or information; only criminals rush you.

• Be sceptical: If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is.

• Verify independently: If you receive a suspicious message from a known entity (like a bank), hang up or close the email, then contact them directly using a trusted phone number or website.

• Social media fraud: Do not click directly from social media to a website to make a purchase. Using an internet search, ask if that company is legitimate.

• Strong passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for different accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where available.

• Update devices: Keep antivirus software and operating systems updated on all your devices.

• Secure Wi-Fi: Protect your home Wi-Fi network with a password.

• Monitor accounts: Regularly check bank and credit card statements for unauthorised transactions.

• Use credit cards: Credit cards can offer better fraud protection for online purchases than debit cards. Freezing your credit file can stop identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name.

• Never send money: Don't send money to people you don't know or trust.

The Report Fraud website is full of fantastic upto-date information and advice – see www. reportfraud.police.uk/reporting-a-fraud/ and take a look at the promo video at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=CpZRbpNxCOM

Blinds in Har mony

Handmade Blinds & Curtains

Domestic and Commercial

Beautiful Shutters

Vertical, Roller, Pleated, Vision, Roman Blinds, Venetian Blinds, Wood and Aluminium, Fly Screens

Conservatory Blinds and Sails

Perfect Fit and INTU Blinds

Awnings and Canopies

Child Safety Devices, Motorisation and Connectivity

Curtain Tracks and Poles supplied and ﬁtted

Opening

HELPING TO REIGNITE WOMENʼS LIVES

By Kat Fiedorczyk, Founder/ACC Coach

March is a month that invites reflection. With both Mothering Sunday and International Women’s Day, there is a lot of conversation about care, strength, and the roles women play in the lives of others.

For many women in our community, however, this month can also stir up quieter and more complicated feelings. Some are mothers. Some wanted to be and couldn’t. Some never planned to be, yet still found their lives reshaped by caring responsibilities, loss, change, or simply time passing. What connects these experiences is not motherhood itself, but how life alters us, often invisibly, and how rarely we are given permission to acknowledge that shift.

In Whittlesey, I meet many women who have put parts of themselves on hold. Sometimes for children, sometimes for family, sometimes because life demanded survival rather than ambition. When things finally slow down, a familiar question appears: “Who am I now?”

This is where confidence often falters, not because ability has been lost, but because identity has changed. From a coaching perspective, rebuilding confidence does not start with fixing yourself. It starts with reconnecting to yourself. Three practical steps can help.

First, name the change. Acknowledge how recent years have shaped you emotionally, practically, and mentally. Confidence grows when experience is recognised rather than dismissed.

Second, separate your worth from productivity. Many women measure value through output. Ask instead: what gives me energy, calm, or meaning now? Alignment builds confidence faster than achievement.

Third, experiment gently. You do not need a five-year plan. Small steps, such as learning, conversations, creative projects, or protected thinking time, rebuild trust without pressure.

International Women’s Day often celebrates resilience and success. This Mothering Sunday, perhaps we can also make space for compassion, especially for women whose journeys do not fit neat categories.

You are not behind. You are not asking for too much. You are responding to change.

If this resonates, I share reflections and coaching tools for women navigating confidence and career transitions on Instagram at @reignite_ careers. You can also connect with me by email at connect@reignite-careers.co.uk

Care takes many forms. So does growth. You are allowed to evolve in your own time and on your own terms. Sometimes the most powerful shift begins when we stop trying to return to who we were and instead allow ourselves to become who we are now, with confidence intact and supported.

KIRSTY MAKES A NAME FOR HERSELF

Kirsty Parnell has overcome a number of obstacles to set up in business.

The 38-year-old had to contend with opposition on her way to launching her Watts Her Name electrical business.

She said: “I had wanted to become an electrician for quite a while but faced a number of hurdles for being female, being too old and suffering from chronic fatigue and headaches.”

However, the Whittlesey woman stayed focused and after completing a four-year apprenticeship with local firm GDC Electrical started her own business last year.

Kirsty, who previously worked as a carer at homes in Whittlesey and Ramsey, had her interest sparked by watching her late father Stephen conduct DIY work at home. She said: “I like to do hands-on work, to get things working. Power is essential and I really enjoy what I do.”

Kirsty can carry out all types of electrical work for domestic and commercial properties including full and partial rewires, PAT

testing, EICR testing and new installations.

She added: “I’ve picked up quite a lot of work via Facebook and word of mouth and am about to start my biggest project which includes work on an Airbnb conversion. I am available for work in the local area including March, Ramsey and Peterborough, in fact anywhere within an hour’s drive from home.”

Outside of work, Kirsty enjoys reading, Lego building and organising an annual Hallowe’en display for charity.

Contact Kirsty on 07958 391662, or email wattshername.electrician@gmail.com

Something exciting is coming to the town centre…

A New Luxury Aesthetics & Beauty Destination Is Opening in Whittlesey

I’m so proud to announce the opening of Flori Aesthetics & Beauty, a brand-new luxury salon designed to be a cosy, welcoming space where women can truly relax, feel confident, and be looked after from the moment they walk through the door.

Located at 9 Market Street, Whittlesey (PE7 1AB), our salon will offer a wide range of treatments under one roof, including:

• ADVANCED AESTHETIC TREATMENTS

• LASHES & BROWS

• MASSAGE & FACIAL TREATMENTS

• WAXING

• NAILS

• AND MORE

Whether you’re visiting for a little self-care or a full transformation, every detail has been created with comfort, quality, and care in mind.

My Story...

Flori Aesthetics began as a passion for helping women feel confident in their own skin. After training extensively in aesthetics and building a loyal client base, opening a physical salon in Whittlesey felt like the natural next step. I wanted to create a beautiful space right here in the community — somewhere women can escape the busy day-to-day, feel pampered, and leave feeling like the best version ofthemselves.

You’reInvited

To celebrate our opening, I’d love for you to join us at our Launch Party:

WEDNESDAY 28TH FEBRUARY FROM 3PM

9 MARKET STREET, WHITTLESEY

Enjoy nibbles, bubbles, exclusive offers, and a raffle on the day. Come along, see the space, meet the team, and celebrate this exciting new chapter with us.

We can’t wait to welcome you into our salon

March is the start of the main seed sowing period and if you are planting seeds directly into the ground, the soil temperature should be between 7-10 degrees C. Using cloches at this stage can help you give young plants a stronger start.

Now is a good time to prepare your beds. Dig out weeds such as bindweed and couch grass, and rake the soil thoroughly, breaking down any lumps to achieve a ﬁne tilth and applying fertiliser. Hoe regularly to keep the annual weeds at bay. Also, with the warmer weather appear pests such as slugs and snails.

You can use slug pellets, or a safe organic solution is to use nematodes, which you buy in packs, add water and water them in, preferably before you plant.

By the end of the month, you should be able to plant out your “first earlies” (small ‘new potatoes’). They are faster growing and ready to harvest in as little as 12 weeks. The plants take up less space, so are useful in smaller plots, and can be grown in containers. Potatoes like rich fertile soil so dig in some well-rotted manure or garden compost before planting. A general rule of thumb when planting earlies is to dig a trench, approx. 15cm deep and then plant the potatoes 30cm apart in rows which are 60cm apart. Backfill the trench, gently firm down and then water. When shoots start to appear keep earthing

them up to protect against frost. If you are growing them in containers, put one potato in a pot at least 30cm wide and deep. Using peat-free compost, half ﬁll the container and shallow plant the potato. As shoots start to appear keep covering them up until the compost reaches the top of the container.

Other jobs this month:

• Feed your over wintered crops such as onions, kale, spring cabbage – use blood, ﬁsh and bone meal, chicken manure or seaweed–based organic fertiliser.

• Lettuces and other salad crops can be sown either indoors or outdoors, under cloches or in cold frames. Tomato and cucumber seeds can be sown indoors but wait until the end of the month.

• Sow Brussels sprouts, cabbage, sprouting broccoli indoors and to take full advantage of the ripening season, sow aubergines, chillies and peppers indoors.

• Plant out onion and shallot sets – last chance to plant garlic.

• Early varieties of carrot, beetroot, spring onions, peas, chard, parsnips, spinach and broad beans can be sown into the open ground but may need to be under cover.

• Herbs such as rosemary and sage will beneﬁt from a good trim, and chives and mint can be propagated by dividing them and re-planting.

Enjoy the extra daylight hours!

MATTERS COMMUNITY

ST MARY’S SHINES

Light Up The Town visited Whittlesey. St Mary's Church was the venue for an immersive experience of light and sound provided by Market Place Art. There was also a ‘light walk’ along the Bower for the families to enjoy.

Photo: RWT Photography/Radio Fenland

MILKY BAR CELEBRATION

It was celebration time at the Milky Bar in Eastgate Whittlesey as new owner Hannah Turner has taken over the reins of this long-standing establishment. Cllr Alex Miscandlon was present to wish Hannah well.

Photo: RWT Photography/Radio Fenland

CONCERT HAS SAX APPEAL

Whittlesey Sax Choir is a community group for saxophone players of all ages to get together and have fun playing. It meets in Whittlesey every two to three weeks with saxophones ranging from the lofty sopranino to the mighty bass, sometimes including rarities like the soprillo, C Melody, or contrabass.

Originally formed out of the Whittlesey Concert Band sax section, it has steadily grown to have fifteen or so regular players and will be celebrating its third year with a short concert at 4pm on Sunday, March 22nd in St Mary’s Church, Whittlesey.

The concert is free with a collection for local charities, so come along and treat yourself to the unique sound of a saxophone choir. If you're interested to know more or want to join, you can contact us via the website: whittleseysaxchoir.org.uk

LADIES LEARN ABOUT LIFE IN THE WORKHOUSE

Coates WI’s first meeting of the year featured a very interesting and informative talk given by Jack Harris on the history of the Whittlesey workhouses with some members recalling people who had been in them.

Members meet up for their annual meeting at Coates Village Hall on Wednesday, March 4th. For further information, contact Fiona on (01733) 208516 or Jen on 07703 385661.

WI MEMBERS ENJOY A ROYAL PERFORMANCE

Whittlesey WI members were delighted with Corrine Wooding's talk entitled 'A Right Royal Affair' at their February meeting.

Corrine explained about the music that she played and how it fitted with the people and buildings that she spoke about. The music was illustrated with a slide show of royalty, beautifully chosen, prepared and explained with a wide range of music from Pavarotti to Madness singing 'Our House'.

Members were treated to their own concert, at the end singing 'God Save the King'. The next meeting is on Tuesday, March 3rd which will be the annual meeting when there will also be a look back through some WI archives.

The group is now on Facebook – Whittlesey Women's Institute. For further information contact Christine on (01733) 844199 or Julie on (01733) 204445.

LADYSMITH WI’S ANNUAL MEETING

Whittlesey Ladysmith WI’s annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10th at 7.30pm at St Andrew's Hall.

Afterwards members will be completing a small flower arrangement in a teacup and hold an auction of new and nearly new items. Guests are always welcome so go along and meet new friends. There will be refreshments. Contact Liz on 07982 854872.

COUNCILLOR SURGERIES

Councillor surgeries are held in Peel House at 8 Queen Street, Whittlesey from 9.30am-10.30am on the first Saturday of every month throughout 2026.

On Saturday, 7th March 2026, Councillors present will be Haq Nawaz (District & Town Councillor) & Diana Dickinson (Town Councillor).

The Surgery is in the Town Council Offices at Peel House, 8 Queen Street, Whittlesey, PE7 1AY, and is accessed via the covered walkway. The entrance is to the left through the double doors, the offices offer full disabled facilities. If you wish to speak to a councillor but are unable to attend any of the above sessions you can make a separate appointment, the councillor’s details are available on the council website www.whittleseytowncouncil.gov.uk, the notice board at the offices or via the Town Clerk, Angelika Piotrowicz, on 01733 351296 or clerk@whittleseytowncouncil.gov.uk

Do you have a business? Are you a sole trader? Self-employed? And are you based within Whittlesey and District?

If you are, we would like to invite you to meet the Whittlesey and District Business Community. We are a friendly, motivated group of local business owners who meet up to support and learn more about each other’s businesses and we would love you to join us.

Not been to a meeting like this before? Why not come and say hello and see how it can benefit your business?

When: Wednesday March 25th 2026 – 6:30pm

Where: The Falcon Inn, London Street, Whittlesey

Contact: Kerry on 07879 452291 or Erica on 07572 383312 or just turn up!

We look forward to seeing you there! Visit www.whittleseybusinesscommunity.co.uk

You know those small jobs that builders are not interested in doing because they don’t make a mint or those niggly little jobs that never get done because you may not have either the skills, tools or time.

• Lawns cut

E l e ct r i c a l

• Small tree surgery

• Fencing repaired, replaced or installed

• Panelling, feather board and palisade

• Gates repaired, replaced or installed

• Decking nstalled and maintained

O t h e r st u f f

• Replacement of light ﬁttings, switches and power sockets to existing position.

• Laminate and wood ﬂooring ﬁtted

• Painting and decorating

• Patios laid, cleaned and re-sanded

• Sheds repaired and roofs re-felted

• Dry walling

• Water butts nstalled

• Gutters cleared.

P l u m b i n g

• Leaking taps and pipes...sorted

• Washing machines, dishwashers and taps installed

• Sinks, toilets and bathrooms ﬁtted

• Waste pipes unblocked.

C a r p e n t ry

• Unﬁnished DIY projects you just have not got the time to do

• Get those wobbly shelves sorted

• Doors ﬁtted/hung/adjusted to ﬁt/work properly.

• Locks and door fur niture ﬁtted

• Kitchen and bedroom units repaired adjusted and ﬁtted.

Why not let me have a look at it?

• Pictures and mirrors hung

• Flat pack furniture: do you ﬁnd it frustrating? Always got bits left over? Can’t ﬁnd that Allen key? Let me assemble and install where required

• Tiling of walls and ﬂoors and tiles replaced

• Blinds,curtain rails and poles ﬁtted

• Lofts/attics insulated and boarded & loft ladders installed

Are You 'EAGLE-EYED'?

What a strange question you may ask? And before I go any further, I’d better explain quickly that I’m not suggesting you look like an eagle with a big beak and sharp talons – that wouldn’t be very friendly!

I have often heard people say “Professor Pompoose-Know-eet-all is ‘eagle eyed” and that makes me feel proud. That’s because in the English language it’s a figure of speech or a metaphor used to describe someone who is very observant, good at spotting things – especially small detail, they pay attention, so they don’t miss anything important, and they have sharp vision just like an eagle. Wow, what a compliment!!

My favourite bird of prey, the golden eagle, can see things up to three miles away and has 340-degree vision which means they don’t have to keep turning their heads whilst hunting. Their eyes make up to fifty percent of their skull, are the same size as a human being’s eyes, even though the eagle’s bodyweight is around 4kg (equal to four bags of sugar). They can see colours clearly because they have a high cluster of cones (colour sensing cells) inside their eyes that gives them great sharpness – a bit like an HD TV, and they can see ultraviolet light to spot the trails of their prey.

Being ‘eagle eyed’, I’ve noticed changes happening in my garden. At the beginning of February, I spotted some snowdrops which usually indicate the first signs of spring –whoop whoop!!

AMAZINGFACT

If our vision was like the eagle’s we’d be able to see an ant on the ground from the top of a building!ten-storey

Here are some ideas on how you can become ‘eagle eyed’ just like me:

• Be attentive to detail: See which flowers you can spot outside? Look out for daffodils, crocuses, primroses, and other plants coming through. Which birds can you see and hear as they sing their beautiful choruses? What time is it getting dark now – are the days getting longer?

• Be mindful of others: Make sure no one is left out. Working as a team is good especially if you’re doing a project or planning tactics in a football or sports match to help you win.

• Respect those that teach us: Listen to teachers, parents and carers who want us to learn new things and protect us – instead of daydreaming or thinking we know best.

In my bible that I love to read, it says in Hebrews 2 v1: So, we must be more careful to follow what we have been taught. Then we will not make mistakes and come to any harm.

That sounds brilliant to me!

Keep being eagle-eyed!

Professor Pompoose

Routine check-ups Vaccinations

Palliative care End of life planning Flea & worming Prescription medication Laboratory tests

Mon-Fri 08:30 - 19:00 Sat 08:30 - 15:00 Sun 09:00 - 12:00

• Gravel Drives / Block Paving

• Turf Supplied and Laid

• Patio’s/ Decking

• Fencing

• Grass Cutting and Maintenance

• Garden Clearance

• Pruning and Tree Work

• Pergolas

NEW Rotavator plus Operator ideal for allotments, veg patches etc

WEFA APPEAL TO LANDLORDS

By David Mason, Chairman, Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid

In 2014, I founded an organisation known as Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid and since that time we have provided food to literally hundreds of families in Whittlesey and the surrounding villages.

During the first nine years we were fortunate to have tremendous support from the Whittlesey Christian Church in Broad Street who provided us with room for our Food Bank. As demand increased, we outgrew our space at the Christian Church and were grateful for Fenland District Council in conjunction with Freedom Leisure in offering us a redundant football changing area at the Manor Leisure Centre.

Suppor t Fenland

After ripping out the old fittings, rewiring and redecorating at our own expense, we installed shelving in the main room and converted the old showers into space for six upright freezers. An additional storage room was also made available and we have been able to enjoy a rent-free casual tenancy.

However, last year with plans being revealed for the conversion of the Manor Leisure Centre we were given notice to leave.

We are now looking for new premises and if there is a landlord in Whittlesey who could help us with a short-term lease, we would be happy to hear from him or her. Please contact me on (01733) 208215 to discuss. Thank you…

TOWN TYRES

LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS

WHITTLESEY WI: Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm at St. Andrew’s Parish Hall. All ladies warmly welcomed. For any information please contact Christine on 07778 422484 or Julie on 01733 204445.

WHITTLESEY LIONS CLUB: Meets second Monday of month at 7.30pm at The Falcon Hotel, 1 London Street, Whittlesey PE7 1BH. New members welcome. Contact Lynn Palmer, 18 Glenfields, Whittlesey PE7 1HX, 07767 373264. Email whittlesey.lions@ btinternet.com, visit www.whittleseylions.org.uk or find us on Facebook.

MARCH & DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY CLUB: Meets on Wednesdays, 7.30-10pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, Wisbech Road, Westry, March PE15 0BA. Visit www.mdmrc.net for further information or email: manddmrc@gmail.com

WHITTLESEY MANOR DOLPHINS: SWIM ENGLAND AFFILIATED CLUB: Meets Mondays (term time) 6.30-8.30pm depending on ability. At Whittlesey Swimming Pool. Free Trial – to book contact manordolphins@gmail.com

OOBAC ARCHERY: New Road, Whittlesey. Taster sessions 1st Sunday of the month. GB licensed coaches. Outdoor 24/7 access and weekly winter indoor shooting. Family friendly club. Email Jean: oobacarchery@gmail.com

WHITTLESEY LADYSMITH WI: Meets on the second Tuesday of the month, at 7.30pm, at St Andrew's Parish Hall. For more information, please contact Liz Phillips 07982 854872 or find us on Facebook.

ROTARY CLUB OF WHITTLESEY: Meets on the 2nd & 4th Monday of each month at The Falcon Hotel, 1 London Street, Whittlesey PE7 1BH. Contact David Denson (Secretary) email: whittleseyrotary@gmail.com Visit www.facebook.com/ whittleseyrotary or www.whittlesey.rotary1080.org

WHITTLESEY MANOR BOWLS CLUB: at Manor Leisure Centre – open all year round. Bowling April-September. Bingo on Mondays and Thursdays at 7pm. Clubhouse available for hire – contact 07771 725109. Further information on 07752 291103.

PAINTING GROUP: Meets every Tuesday in Eastrea Village Hall between 1pm and 4pm. The group has been established for ten years. Please contact Sue on 01733 205241 for more details.

WHITTLESEY PATCHWORK AND CRAFTS: Meets every Monday 1pm to 3.30pm in the Bowling Centre at Manor Leisure. Sociable sewing, knitting, patchwork, crochet, crafting and chatting over tea and cake. Find out more from Rita on 01733 204271 or 07875 269145.

WHITTLESEY INDOOR BOWLS CLUB: 194-198 Station Road, Whittlesey PE7 2HA. Open all year round. For more information visit www.whittleseyibc.co.uk or call 01733 202209 or email whittleseybowlsclub@yahoo.co.uk

WHITTLESEY CONCERT BAND: rehearse on a Thursday evening in the church hall at Queen Street Church, Whittlesey. Anyone who plays a brass or wind instrument and is interested in joining us is welcome to come along. To discuss further message us on our Facebook page or contact Mikala on 07970 587423.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT GROUP: Friendly and welcoming group meets at Peel House Town Council offices on the 2nd and the 4th Tuesday of the month, from 9.30am-11.30am. The charge is £6 per person. Contact Barbara for more information by emailing greenwoman_harmony@yahoo.co.uk

To advertise your club or group please call Sallyanne for more information on 07737 026594 or email sal@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

By Natalie Brannigan Director, The Little Marketing Company

Stay Visible...

Marketing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being visible.

Many businesses delay posting, emailing, or promoting because they’re waiting for things to be “ready”. Progress comes from showing up as you are and improving as you go. Done is always better than perfect when it comes to marketing.

Download our FREE Marketing Kickstart Guide today and get instant clarity on where to focus, what to fix, and how to finally make your marketing work without the overwhelm. www.thelittlemarketingcompany.com/marketingkickstart-guide/

March 2026

HALLAM TRAVEL STILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SEATS AVAILABLE:

The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Experience ONLY 6 LEFT Fri 13th March £68

Arsenal Emirates Stadium Tour Sun 15th March Adult £63 Senior £59 Child £54

Thriplow Daffodil Event and Country Fair ONLY 15 LEFT Sat 21st March £36

Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour Sun 22nd March £69

Coronation Street Experience Sun 12th April £70

Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile (afternoon show) Thurs 16th April £65

Hampton Court Palace including the Tulip Festival Fri 17th April Adult £64 Senior £59 Child £50

Ely Leisure Day Sat 18th April £27

RAF Museum, Cosford Sun 19th April £32

York Shopping/Leisure Day ONLY 18 LEFT Weds 22nd April £31

St Paul’s Cathedral Sat 25th April Adult £59 Senior £57 Child £45

London Leisure Day Sat 25th April £35

Harrogate Spring Flower Show Sun 26th April Adult £56 Child £32

Priscilla Queen of the Desert (afternoon show) Thurs 30th April £73

Bakewell & Matlock Bath Sat 2nd May £31

Holt Sunday Market & Sheringham Sun 3rd May £28

The Princess River Cruise Experience includes 2 course meal Weds 6th May £56

Haworth and Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Sat 9th May Adult £46 Child £39

Aldeburgh & Southwold Sun 10th May £31

Highgate Cemetery

Cannon Hall Farm Weds 5th August £42

Crich Tramway Village Sat 8th August Adult £48 Child £43

Jesus Christ Superstar starring Sam Ryder at the London Palladium ONLY 20 LEFT Sat 15th August £106

The View from The Shard

ONLY 17 LEFT Weds 13th May £52

Sat 16th May £62

London Leisure Day Sat 16th May £35

Makers Central Sun 17th May Adult £44 Child £29

Abba Voyage (afternoon show) 1 CANCELLATION Sun 17th May £129

Legally Blonde (afternoon show)

Strictly the Professionals

Weds 20th May £78

Tues 26th May £90

Gravity – Starring Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman & Rachel Tucker Fri 30th May £79

Portobello Road Market/London Leisure Day

Rushden Lakes

Fawlty Towers – The Play

Southend on Sea

Saltaire Village Experience

Sat 30th May £35

Sun 31st May £28

Thurs 4th June £75

Weds 10th June £34

Sat 13th June £40

London Zoo Sun 14th June Adult £58 Senior £57 Child £51

Les Misérables The Arena Concert Tour (afternoon show) ONLY 19 LEFT Sun 14th June £117

Royal Ascot – Ladies Day ONLY 17 LEFT Thurs 18th June £112

RHS Garden, Bridgewater Sat 20th June RHS Member £35 Adult £50 Child £40

Great Yarmouth Leisure Day Sun 21st June £29

Wroxham & Summer Jazz Cruise Sun 21st June £51

Skipton & Canal Boat (includes 2 course meal) Sat 27th June £64

Skipton Leisure Day Sat 27th June £35

Kew Gardens Sun 28th June Adult £56 Child £42

Moreton in Marsh & Bourton on the Water Tues 30th June £34

Jersey Boys (afternoon show) Weds 1st July £84

Kinky Boots (afternoon show) ONLY 1 LEFT Thurs 2nd July £94

Blenheim Palace, Gardens and Parkland Sat 4th July Adult £68 Child £53

Grassington and Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway Sun 5th July Adult £50 Senior £49 Child £44

Oulton Broad 2 course lunch and Boat Weds 8th July £64

Avenue Q (afternoon show) Thurs 9th July £79

The Household Division presents a Military Musical Spectacular ONLY 20 LEFT Fri 10th July £86

Colchester Zoo Sat 11th July Adult £55 Senior £54 Child £49

East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens and Wroxham Sun 12th July £46

The Bodyguard Tues 14th July £79

Great Yorkshire Show Thurs 16th July Adult £65 Child £45

Galway Bay Hotel – 6 days ONLY 10 LEFT Sun 19th July £899

RHS Sandringham Flower Show Sat 25th July Adult £61 Child £27

Operation Mincemeat (afternoon show) Weds 29th July £86

Althorp House and Gardens Sat 1st August Adult £56 Senior £49

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) Sun 16th August £64

Hever Castle and Gardens Weds 19th August Adult £51 Senior £50 Child £41

Tower of London Thurs 20th August Adult £71 Senior £65 Child £55

London Leisure Day Thurs 20th August £35

Dirty Dancing (afternoon show) Fri 28th August £80

Whitby Leisure Day Weds 2nd September £35

Annie (afternoon show) Thurs 3rd September £78

Canterbury Cathedral Sat 5th September Adult £53 Child £47

Canterbury Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 5th September £35

Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style Sun 6th September Adult £55 Young Person £48 Child £45

Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style Sun 6th September Adult £85 Young Person £67 Child £60

London Leisure Day Sun 6th September £35

The Devil Wears Prada (afternoon show) Weds 9th September £83

Barnum the Circus Musical (afternoon show) Thurs 10th September £75

Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show Sun 13th September Adult £74 Child £30

Cromer Pier Summer Show (afternoon show) Weds 16th September £56

Sheringham 1940s Sat 19th September £30

Andre Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra ONLY 15 LEFT Sat 19th September £175

Michael Ball: Glow UK Tour ONLY 20 LEFT Sat 19th September £117

Waitress (afternoon show) Weds 23rd September £78

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventure – The Car Man (afternoon show) Thurs 24th September £83

Churchill War Rooms Weds 30th September Adult £69 Senior £65 Child £52

Household Cavalry Museum Weds 30th September Adult £47 Senior £45 Child £44

London Leisure Day Weds 30th September £35

Beetlejuice (afternoon show) Fri 2nd October £79

The Piece Hall Sat 3rd October £44

Halifax Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 3rd October £34

Abba Voyage (afternoon concert) ONLY 14 LEFT Sun 4th October Seated £130 Dance Floor £90

Leonardo Hotel, Liverpool – 4 days ONLY 11 LEFT Weds 7th October £249

Mamma Mia! (afternoon show) Thurs 8th October £83

Sinatra the Musical (afternoon show) Thurs 15th October £90

High Society (afternoon show) Weds 4th November £73

Mean Girls (afternoon show) Thurs 5th November £80

Simply Christmas, Sewing for Pleasure, Creative Craft, Cake & Bake International Shows Sat 7th November £39

Ely – Christmas Gift and Food Fair Thurs 19th November £40

Bakewell Christmas Market Sun 22nd November £30

The Fifties & Sixties Christmas Party (afternoon show & 2 course lunch)

Norwich Christmas Shopping/Leisure Day

Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

25th November £90 York Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Fri 27th November £31

Stratford Upon Avon Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 28th November £30

Lakeside Shopping Centre Sun 29th November £31

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 5th December £31

Windsor Leisure Day

*Thursford Christmas Spectacular Thurs 10th December £82

Cromer Pier Christmas Show (afternoon show) Fri 11th December £57

Hampton Court Palace and Festive Fayre Sat 12th December £65

*Thursford Christmas Spectacular – Long Sutton departure ONLY 20 LEFT Sat 12th December £85

Cruising into Christmas Sun 13th December £62

*Thursford Christmas Spectacular – Long Sutton departure Tues 15th December £82

The 22nd East Anglian Game & Country Fair will take place on Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th 2026 at the prestigious Euston Estate, home to The Duke and Duchess of Grafton, just off the A11 at Elveden, on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.

This two-day event welcomes world class attractions each year and you could win a pair of tickets to visit it for free in our great Discovering Magazines competition (details on the right).

Main Arena displays confirmed for the 2026 show include the World Famous JCB Dancing Diggers –an iconic live performance team, often described as a down-to-earth version of the Red Arrows. They have curtsied for royalty, pirouetted for TV and thrilled thousands all over the world! The team will also be available after each performance to meet the crowd and have photos taken. AND returning due to popular demand, the Horseboarding UK Championships where speed, agility and bravery are all required! Audience participation is encouraged to spur on the competitors and provides great entertainment for all the family.

The Waveney and Norfolk Harriers ‘White Woofers’ hound parade is a spectacle not to be missed!

We have a fantastic line up of more free events to watch in the Main Arena and across the show including the much-loved Mid Norfolk Gun Dog displays, Fens Falconry Birds of Prey Displays, Fishing demonstrations with World Champion Fly Caster Hywel Morgan, the hilarious Sheep Show, Traditional Ferreting Demonstrations with Simon Whitehead, Live Craft demonstrations and much more!

Have a go at a range of country activities like clay shooting with John Bidwell’s High Lodge instructors (or enter the forty-bird shooting competition for men, women and juniors).

There is also a dedicated clay shoot car park closer to the clay line and Gunmakers Row. Visitors can try their hand at fly fishing on the Black Bourn River. Archery, axe throwing and the air rifle range can also be enjoyed. Breckland Land Rover Club will be running an exciting woodland off road 4x4 course. Choose from a classic Land Rover or

Competition Car and enjoy being driven round the course by one of the team!

If your family’s best friend likes the water, then why not enter them into the ‘Have a Go’ or the competition at the K9 Aqua Sports pool, (long jump into water for dogs!).

The family fun pet dog show is also a favourite with our visitors and the vast array of dogs that love to come to the show (so many classes to enter!).

There are more than three hundred shopping stands with a wide variety of products from fashion and footwear to gun makers and fishing products. BASC will be among a number of national organisations on hand to discuss conservation, countryside pursuits and memberships. There are also many children’s activities, pony rides, traditional fun fair, food and drink hall with Game Fair Country Kitchen, where talented chefs from across the East Anglian region showcase their culinary skills. Craft and gift marquees and much more.

If you are interested in exhibiting with us, trade stand application forms can be downloaded from our website. Please do take a look at our show highlights video; encapsulating what a fun family day out the show is, with something for everyone.

https://youtu.be/ejPoo3qy9dA

Don’t forget to bring your dog to enjoy all of this on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.

Advance discounted 2026 tickets are FROZEN at the 2025 ticket prices and available to buy online at www.ukgamefair.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline number (01263) 735 828. Adult £23, Children (5-16yrs) £8 and Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) £59. (Discounted ticket offer valid until midday 20/04/26). After this time tickets are available to buy on the gate at the 2026 on-the-day rates. (A small booking fee applies to phone orders and Eventbrite booking fees apply to all). Under 5s are FREE and car parking is FREE for all.

VIP Memberships and camping weekend tickets also available at discounted rates if booked in advance. Visit our website for more information.

@EastAnglianGameFair

@eastangliangamefair

@EAGandCFair

JUST ANSWER THIS QUESTION: The World Famous JCB Dancing Diggers will be performing at the show. Which renowned flying team are they compared to?

You can either post your entry to Discovering Whittlesea, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET or you can email hello@discoveringmagazines.co.uk quoting ‘Discovering Whittlesea’ along with your answer.

31/03/2026

STRAW BEAR HIGHLIGHTS

Photos courtesy of Robert Windle

MATTERS COMMUNITY

TALK TO BE HELD ON THE IMPACT OF DEMENTIA

A talk on the ever-growing impact of dementia on the lives of individuals and families is being held this month.

The Cambridge Festival 2026 will feature an overview of dementia research, given by local experienced scientist in the field of neurodegeneration Dr Stephen Chawner who will present state-of-the-art scientific research and clinical breakthroughs in a layperson-friendly manner.

It’s estimated that approximately one million people are suffering from dementia in the UK alone, with a projected one person in two being affected by dementia in their lifetime, which makes dementia the UK’s leading cause of death, but research into it is generating hope for future therapies.

Dr Chawner, who has been a dementia researcher at the ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute (ADDI) in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) in Cambridge for eight-and-a- half-years, said: “I aim for this talk to help demystify the drug discovery and dementia research processes for members of the non-scientific community.”

You can join his talk on Wednesday, March 25th either in-person at the New Museum lecture theatre in Cambridge or online. Further information and the 2026 programme is available on the Cambridge Festival website, and registration information can also be found on the Eventbrite website by searching ‘Alzheimer’s Research UK East Network Public Meeting 2026’.

NEW PROTECTION FOR HISTORIC MUD WALLS

New protections have been given to an irreplaceable element of Whittlesey’s heritage –traditional mud walls. Specific planning permission is now required to demolish, remove or alter any traditional mud wall in Whittlesey.

An immediate ‘Article 4 Direction’ requiring the permission for works affecting traditional mud walls was agreed by Fenland District Council’s Cabinet committee at the end of January and a consultation has now launched to allow public input.

Most of Whittlesey’s mud walls are thought to date from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, it added. There are several sections of boundary mud walls in Whittlesey. Whilst seven are Grade II listed, the others were not protected.

The Article 4 direction does not wholly prevent any changes being made to traditional mud walls but does require planning permission to be sought and granted beforehand – a mechanism that wasn’t in place before.

The council’s consultation on the new protections runs until Monday, March 16th. Discover more at: www.fenland.gov.uk/article/18756/Article-4Direction-Mud-Walls-in-the-Whittlesey-Area

“James